Feminist theories

Question 1

Liberal Feminism

Answer 1

The idea that all human should have equality, rights and freedom. They believe in reinfocism, that equality can be achieved by gradual reforms and changes to laws and policies

Question 2

Who are two liberal feminist thinkers?

Answer 2

Anne Oakley - A study on housework 1974
Sue Sharpe - How girls learn to be women 1994

Question 3

Liberal feminism evaluation

Answer 3

• shows that gender inequality and discrimination can be overcome without violence
• shows that gender differences are socially constructed
• has had important influences on social policy
• ignore the need for revolutionary action
• deals with symptoms of oppression not causes
• can be critisiced for being overly optimistic

Question 4

Radical feminism

Answer 4

Partriarchy is universal, derived from women’s ability to bear children. Women’s main enemy are men, all men benefit form patriarchy.

Some radical feminists advocate seperationism, collective action and political lesbianism

Question 5

Radical feminism evaluation

Answer 5

• Raises the profile of what has been previously considered private matters
• exposes the social construction of gender and gender roles
• uses violence to achieve its aims. Makes wider feminism seem silly and men hating.
• ignores the element of choice within a relationship

Question 6

Marxist feminism

Answer 6

-Patriarchal and the cause of women’s oppression.
-Women create and socialise the next generation of workers
-women act as reserve labour force
-women absorb men’s frustration at the cost of their own oppression

Question 7

Key marxist feminist thinker?

Answer 7

Michele Bartlett